R. Kelly, the disgraced R&B singer, was sentenced to 30 years in Prison

Federal Judge Ann Donnelly sentenced R. Kelly in New York after a lengthy hearing. At one point, she quotes a victim impact statement from a woman in court as Stephanie, who tells Kelly, “No price was too high for someone else to pay for your happiness.”

Kelly receives a 30-year prison sentence. 

“This case is not about sex,” the judge states. “It’s all about violence, cruelty, and control.”  Donnelly acknowledged the defense’s points, including Kelly’s difficult childhood, which included sexual abuse at the hands of his sister and a landlord. “You are a person who had great advantages — worldwide fame and celebrity, untold money,” she added.

Kelly declined to speak to the court. His attorney cite pending cases, including a second federal trial in Illinois, which is set to begin on Aug. 15, and separate criminal charges in Minnesota. Child pornography and obstructing justice are among the charges.

Kelly’s acquittal

Kelly was guilty of sexual exploitation of a child, racketeering, bribery, and sex trafficking last year. Kelly was to be at the helm of a criminal conspiracy to recruit and coerce girls, boys, and women into sex by the jury. 

Several victims established a pattern during the trial, where they would see Kelly at a show or out in public, and an associate of Kelly would hand them a phone number to call. They would then become entangled in a system of sexual and psychological abuse. Kelly made his victims perform sexual acts for his pleasure (which he often filmed). He imposed strict restrictions on where his victims could go and who they could speak with. And he forced them to write letters or videotape themselves while claiming they were acting freely. 

Accusers described how he harmed them.

Before the judge handed down R. Kelly’s sentence, seven women made statements to and about him, as well as about the abuse they endured. Kelly never looked at his accusers. “We will be able to live again,” Angela, a woman identified in court, said.

“I am a representation of every woman, boy, child, and man that you have ever afflicted with your deplorable, inexplicable acts,” she said, “and with that, Robert Sylvester Kelly, I leave you with yourself.” Another woman, identified in court as Jane Doe 2, described experiencing depression and stress as a result of Kelly’s abuse.

Moreover, When Kelly whispered to his attorney, she paused in her remarks to demand his attention. “I’m sorry,” she apologizes. “I don’t want to disturb his conversation.” “So many people love you and they hate us,” said Charles, the father of another woman, resignedly. Kelly had not expressed regret, he observed. Kelly was urging by Charles to confess and seek God’s forgiveness.

R. Kelly’s attorney promises to file an appeal.

R. Kelly’s lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, says outside the courthouse, “Obviously he’s devastate.” Moreover, says “Thirty years in prison is equivalent to a life sentence for him, but we know the government was requesting 25 years. We were prepared for whatever punishment the judge might impose, and we are now ready to fight this appeal.”

Victims’ voices were heard.

Following the sentencing hearing, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace states that the case meant that “the voices of mostly Black and brown women and children… were heard and believe, and justice was finally achieving for [them].”

Furthermore, The sentence follows decades of allegations levelled against the multi-platinum singer. Similarly, In 2008, he was charging with child pornography in his hometown of Chicago. He was not guilty on all counts. Kelly went on to live his life as a superstar, performing all over the world and selling out venues.

For more latest news, Click here.